What are the herbs and spices mostly used in the French cuisine
herbs and spices mostly used in the French cuisine |
What are the herbs and spices mostly used in the French cuisine is an interesting topic for those who love French food and cooking .
In fact ,France ,as a Mediterranean country is naturally influenced by the Mediterranean cuisine.
The French people admire cooking ,foods and baking styles.They are renowned for their varieties of bread and pastries .
French chefs and cooks are widely recognized in the whole world .They are the kings of the European and Mediterranean cuisine .
In fact ,in France ,cooking and baking are considered as an art and innovation.
Besides ,the French pastries world is peerless and the French mille-feuille and croissants are the best evidence of the French cuisine supremacy.
There’s a convincing reason that the French cooking is so appreciated around the world. It isn’t for amateur chefs, but chefs who are in love with cuisine and excited by cooking in various international hotels and restaurants
Frenchman and Frenchwoman alike pay great attention to their plates and dishes .
Therefore ,they pick up the best and most beneficial herbs and spices for their kitchens in order to make the tastiest types of foods and dishes.
The French master different kinds of cooking and cuisine techniques that is why we generally find French cooks and chefs in big and luxurious hotels and restaurants.
Hence ,what is the secret behind all of this ?
Truly,the secret of the excellent French cuisine lies in the herbs and spices that the French select for their various food styles.
So,in this topic ,we will discover these herbs and spices frequently used in the French cuisine that took the French food world to a higher and international rank.
What are the herbs and spices mostly used in the French cuisine:
This is not a comprehensive list of the most common and used herbs and spices in the French cuisine as we may find other essential ingredients and spices used to prepare various French dishes and desserts.
French cooking uses fifteen important herbs and spices in order to create such a unique ,intense and tasty flavor in dishes ,meals and different food styles.
So,if ever you have these 15 herbs and spices in your kitchen ,then you can easily prepare any French meal .
1-Nutmeg :
Nutmeg is a very famous herb in France .It is frequently used in cooking and baking .
The French use nutmeg in a range of plates and dishes namely in pastries and desserts .
However ,nutmeg maybe used also in preparing some sauces like bechamel.
2-Saffron :
Though it is costly and very expensive worldwide . Saffron is a must in the French cooking .It is a staple in French food .
With its sweet and earthy flavor ,Saffron reserves an important place in the French Mediterranean cuisine.
3-Tarragon :
Tarragon is a very popular herb in France .It is an essential herb in the French cooking .
It is mainly used with mustard and vinegar.
4-Thyme :
Thyme is a very common herb in the French cuisine.
It is frequently used with a variety of plates and dishes including soups,stews, potatoes and roasts.
5-White pepper:
White pepper is a fine ground pepper .It helps add pepper flavor to several dishes.
This spice is generally used with cream sauces,white sauces and broths.
6-Parsley :
In France, parsley is used for saisoning salads, vegetables,meats and fish.
Dried parsley flakes are an excellent garnishing for soups.
7-Bouquet garni :
It is called also the broth posy.It is typically French.
It is a small combination or bench of some French herbs .
Generally,it is composed of parsley ,thyme and bay leaf.
8-Bay leaf :
Bay leaves are commonly used in the French cuisine.
They can be used either fresh or dried to flavor sauces,stews and marinades .
9-Chervil :
Chervil is one of the most frequently used herbs in the French cooking .It gives a spicy flavor to different dishes and meals.
The French prefer using chervil herb especially with omelette and soups.
10-Chives :
Chives are used also in preparing different French food styles.
They are used in the French cuisine mainly for saisoning as they are similar to onions in flavor.
11-Fennel seeds :
In French cooking ,fennel seeds go perfectly with fish and meat sauces .
Fennel leaves also give a unique flavor to salads and fish .
12-Rosemary :
Rosemary is a very common herb in the Mediterranean cuisine.It is widely used in the French cuisine.
In France cooking, rosemary is generally added to lamb and meat dishes as well.
13-Marjoram :
Marjoram is another essential herb in the French cuisine.
It is mostly used with vegetables like marrow and potatoes.
14-Sorrel:
The French sorrel is quite wonderful.
It is the best herb for cooking as it has a unique flavor.It is generally used in soups,stews and puree to give them a great flavor and delicious taste.
15-Herbs de provence:
They are a typically French specialty.We can get them by mixing some other herbs like parsley,oregano ,fennel seeds and tarragon.
These are the main and mostly used herbs and spices in the French cuisine.
If you are fascinated by French cuisine and foods ,we will let you discover the top best foods and dishes of the French cuisine.
Top foods and dishes in the French cuisine:
Here is a list of the best and most common French food types and meals.
- French onion soup
- Snails with parsley
- French Crepes
- Salade Niçoise
- Cassoulet
- Quiche Lorraine
- Ratatouille
- Terrine
- Steak fries
- Potatoes dauphinoises
- Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Croissants
One must confess that French foods are unique, delicious and peerless in the whole world.
Finally ,the French cuisine is perhaps the most diversified and tastiest of all other international cuisines due the secret of herbs and spices ,in addition to the most sophisticated French cooking techniques.
French cooking showcases best-quality ingredients,herbs and spices in preparing various recipes to produce elegant dishes that are consumed largely in different countries in the world.
So tasting the French food will give you an amazing sensation and makes you feel that you are in Paris or Marseilles.